At what age can regular cow's milk be introduced to an infant, and what risk is associated with earlier introduction?

Introducing regular cow's milk to an infant is recommended after the age of 12 months. Until that point, infants are typically fed breast milk or iron-fortified formula, which provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. The reason behind this guideline primarily revolves around the nutritional composition of cow's milk and the potential health risks associated with introducing it too early.

If cow's milk is introduced before 12 months, there are significant risks to consider, particularly regarding colitis and anemia. Cow's milk lacks several essential nutrients that infants need during their first year, including appropriate levels of iron, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Early introduction can lead to iron deficiency anemia because cow's milk can also impair the absorption of iron, and it does not contain sufficient iron itself.

Furthermore, introducing cow's milk prior to 12 months is associated with an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal issues, such as colitis, due to the high protein and mineral content in cow's milk which can be difficult for an immature gastrointestinal system to handle. Therefore, by waiting until after the first year, the infant's digestive system matures sufficiently to handle the proteins and minerals in cow's milk, minimizing these risks.